7/25/14 BIG AL & LITTLE AL Friday Sips

Our mothers have often told us how our generation watches too much television, especially these days with digital cable-TV, satellite-TV and Web-TV. On any given night, one could tune into the History Channel and see great battles fought throughout time. Better yet, one could tune into the NFL Network and after 10 or so beers, the deep, golden voice of John Facenda could place you in the glory days of bloody battles between the Steelers and Raiders in the 1970s. Kinda makes you wanna fight!

One of the things that makes me combative is the notion that all French wines are expensive. Yes, top cuvees can run into the stratosphere, but then again, there is no shortage of wines to be had in the $10-$15 range that deliver more than they ever should. Here's a Cotes-Du-Rhone is an awesome value. Made from fruit hailing from the Cotes-Du-Rhone village of Sablet, there is more substance and depth than one might expect in a wine at this price. Tasting notes from my visit to Domaine Pesquier: "Engaging as hell, genuine Grenache aromas with strawberry and Provencal spice. More anise unfolds. Plush core of fruit present with notable brace and structure on the outside. Plentiful red flavors in the mouth, finely detailed with succulence and persistence".

After visiting at Domaine Pesquier for 6 hours earlier this year in France, I came to the realization that Mathieu Boutiere is making better wines than ever and this humble family's Domaine has rocketed into the upper echelon of Gigondas and best yet, one needn't spend north of $45 to have something special.

The following are my notes from my visit: "Very classic Pesquier aromas. Grenadine, subtle olive, fragrant provencal herbs (thyme and lavender specifically). More fragrances come as it unfolds. Terrific energetic underlying hot-rock-minerality. Superbly balanced, excellent poise and depth. Stiffens and grabs the palate's attention in the middle and back. Extends nicely on the packed, spicy follow-through. Will be even more stunning in 2-3 more years and will drink for another 8-10."

For years we have been referring to this wine as virtual Meursault and justifiably so, the vineyards for Guy's Bourgogne all sit within the borders of the village of Meursault. A worthy follow-up to the 2010, the newly arrived 2011 version of Bocard's Bourgogne is one flattering, delicious drop of white Burgundy/French Chardonnay.

Yellow fruits abound along with toasted bread, anise and underlying butter/hazelnut/citrus aspects which sensually glide from the glass. In the mouth there is ample cushion and body along with terrifically focused succulence and subtle minerality. Very appealing from engaging start to the lingering finish, this wine offers a knockout white Burgundy experience from one of the region's most respectable neighborhoods and producers!

From virtual Meursault to REAL Meursault and something we ordinarily wouldn't uncork for Friday Sips! Back in February I had yet another opportunity to visit this Meursault-master and once again, I left his cellar muttering from both the quality of the wines as well as Guy's penchant for 15 minute dissertations when he answers a question - all of which 3 minutes can be understood due to his rapid-fire and thoroughly French response. Hence the note that we have used for many years that was once stated by a friend from New Jersey, "I am lost in the ocean that is Guy Bocard".

What is most understood is the undeniable aura of this cat's most magnificent Meursault wines. From vines planted in the 1940s and 1950s as well as coming from prime vineyard sites (Sous La Velle, Pellans, Durots, Dressoles & Malpoirers), apple-honey, lime, nicely intertwined flint, butter and cereal aromas go non-stop on the sneaky-brilliant 2011. In the mouth this wine is extremely indicative of Meursault and with marked spice and a creamy, broad mid-palate which fan out then drive into an impressive thrusting, yet swanky finish. Although there is thriving early appeal, this wine will have no problem aging on through to its 10th birthday. Drink with lobster or other full-flavored seafood preparations.